Works Undersecretary receives Chinese delegation

Manama, June 5 (BNA): Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry Works Affairs Undersecretary Ahmed Al Khayat met with a Chinese delegation from China Machinery Engineering Corp (CMEC) and discussed with them investment opportunities in infrastructure and government projects in Bahrain. The meeting was attended by Assistant Undersecretary for Technical Services Ebrahim Al Hawaj, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Roads Kadhim Abdul Latif, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Sanitary Engineering Asma Jassim Murad and Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Construction Projects and Maintenance Wadeea Marzooq. At the beginning of the meeting, Al Khayat welcomed the delegation and commended the efforts of China in enhancing bilateral cooperation. He also lauded the company’s expertise in engineering and technical fields and their funding capabilities in urbanization and construction fields. He voiced keenness to benefit from their expertise in the implementation of government projects in Bahrain. Al Khayyat stated that the visit of the Chinese delegation is the dividend of HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s visit to the Republic of China in September 2013. He briefed the delegation about the Ministry of Works’ specialisations and responsibilities. During the visit, the CMEC delegation highlighted a number of projects implemented by the company in various engineering field. CMEC is one of the biggest state-owned Chinese companies. The Ministry’s team shed light on the Ministry’s projects and future plans in the roads, sanitary and construction sectors. The technical services sector also gave a presentation on the tender system, pre-qualification of contractors, approval of materials and factories and the projects quality assurance system. The four-day visit included field visits to the Ministry’s main projects in the roads, sanitary, construction and municipalities sectors. The tour also included a visit to the Materials Engineering labs where the delegation was introduced to the Ministry’s E-Mas System. At the end of the visit, a memorandum of understanding between the company and the Works Ministry was discussed. Both parties agreed to maintain communication to draft the memo and sign it once it is approved.